1974 Honda Life vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 1058 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
