1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 183 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 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 1978 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 308 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
