1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 806 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
