1970 Ford GT 40 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Ford GT 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford GT 40 | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
