1974 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Celica. (78 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 256 kg more than 1974 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Celica 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 1974 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Celica. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Celica | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Celica | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
