1971 Honda Life vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 37 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 828 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2580 mm |
