1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 445 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
