1978 Lada 1600 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1600 (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1600 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 185 kg more than 1978 Lada 1600.
Because 1978 Lada 1600 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 Lada 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 55 L |
