2012 Buick Regal vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Regal (220 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 436 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Buick Regal (352 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick Regal | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4831 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1483 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2738 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
