1972 Honda Life vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 24 more horse power than 1972 Honda Life. (29 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 488 kg more than 1972 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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 1973 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Honda Life, 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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Life | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
