1976 Ford Capri vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Capri 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 (114 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1976 Ford Capri. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 165 kg more than 1976 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Capri 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 1976 Ford Capri. 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 (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Capri | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
