1974 Citroen GS vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 323 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | GS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
