1971 Lancia Stratos vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lancia Stratos (114 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 205 kg more than 1971 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1971 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, both vehicles can yield 155 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2005 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1971 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1971 Lancia Stratos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lancia Stratos | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2520 mm |
