1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 370 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2520 mm |
