1972 Plymouth Valiant vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 6 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. 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, 2012 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 (359 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Valiant | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Valiant | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
