1970 Honda S800 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Honda S800 (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Honda S800 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 165 kg more than 1970 Honda S800.
Because 1970 Honda S800 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 1970 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda S800. (67 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda S800 | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S800 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
