1973 Mazda 929 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Mazda 929. (83 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 120 kg more than 1973 Mazda 929. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mazda 929 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 Mazda 929. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda 929. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda 929 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 929 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
