1973 Ford Capri vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1973 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Capri weights approximately 145 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1973 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Capri | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1303 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
