1978 Nissan Cedric vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cedric. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cedric would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Cedric is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (137 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cedric. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cedric. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Cedric weights approximately 443 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1978 Nissan Cedric 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 Nissan Cedric. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cedric. (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cedric.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Cedric | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cedric | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2480 mm |
