1978 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 444 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (95 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2578 mm |
