1978 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevette | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1255 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
