1972 Plymouth Valiant vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Valiant weights approximately 38 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 Plymouth Valiant. 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Valiant | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Valiant | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5562 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
