1973 Nissan Fairlady vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Fairlady. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Fairlady would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Fairlady is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 110 kg more than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Nissan Fairlady 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 Nissan Fairlady. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1973 Nissan Fairlady (175 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Nissan Fairlady will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Nissan Fairlady | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlady | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2512 mm |
