1978 Daihatsu Taft vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Taft. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Taft would be higher. At 2,530 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Taft is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (62 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 216 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Taft 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (150 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Taft.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Taft | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taft | GTI |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2578 mm |
