1971 Ford 17 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 256 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford 17 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 1971 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (195 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
