1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 192 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1979 Dodge Aspen 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 1979 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
