1972 Ford Torino vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 350 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1972 Ford Torino 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 1972 Ford Torino. 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 (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Torino. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Torino | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Torino | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
