1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6548 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2480 mm |
