1973 Opel Manta vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1973 Opel Manta. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 395 kg more than 1973 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Manta. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Manta. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Manta has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Manta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Manta | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Manta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
