1970 Mazda RX-2 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1970 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 365 kg more than 1970 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mazda RX-2 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 Mazda RX-2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mazda RX-2. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1970 Mazda RX-2 has manual transmission. 1970 Mazda RX-2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mazda RX-2 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-2 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2580 mm |
