1969 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Chevrolet Impala (166 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 1139 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Chevrolet Impala is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1969 Chevrolet Impala (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Impala | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
