1976 Ford Torino vs. 1974 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1976 Ford Torino is newer by 2 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 4,090 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Torino (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Torino should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Torino weights approximately 795 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.
Because 1976 Ford Torino 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 Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1976 Ford Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Torino | 1974 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Torino | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4090 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 45 L |
