1978 Volkswagen Citi vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 377 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Citi has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Citi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Citi | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Citi | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
