1977 Ford Taunus vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 272 kg more than 1977 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
