1971 Honda Life 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 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 685 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
