1975 Lancia Stratos vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 366 kg more than 1975 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1975 Lancia Stratos 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 1975 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Stratos | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Golf |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2418 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
