2006 Buick Rainier vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Buick Rainier is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,163 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Buick Rainier (291 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Buick Rainier weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Buick Rainier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Buick Rainier (376 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2006 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Buick Rainier | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rainier | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 62 L |
