1972 Austin 1800 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1972 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Austin 1800 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Austin 1800. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin 1800 | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1800 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2480 mm |
