1974 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1990 Volvo 440
To start off, 1990 Volvo 440 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 440 weights approximately 177 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1990 Volvo 440 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Golf | 1990 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 440 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1469 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
