1974 Honda Life vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 734 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1974 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1974 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
