1976 Opel Commodore vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,783 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Opel Commodore (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Opel Commodore weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Opel Commodore 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 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Opel Commodore (216 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Opel Commodore | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
Model | Commodore | Golf |
Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2783 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 216 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |