1978 Renault 4 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 515 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 4 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
