1976 Ford Torino 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 Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Torino 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 26 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Torino should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Torino weights approximately 485 kg more than 1997 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, 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, 1976 Ford Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Torino | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Torino | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4090 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 45 L |
