1978 Renault 4 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 726 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.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Renault 4. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1441 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
