1978 Holden Gemini vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden Gemini would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Holden Gemini. (66 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 132 kg more than 1978 Holden Gemini. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Holden Gemini 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 Holden Gemini. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Gemini. (113 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Gemini | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gemini | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
