1970 Lancia Stratos vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Lancia Stratos (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 180 kg more than 1970 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1970 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lancia Stratos. (153 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lancia Stratos. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1970 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1970 Lancia Stratos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lancia Stratos | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2860 mm |
