1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Mustang (87 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 358 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1979 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Mustang | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Golf |
Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 53 HP |
Torque | 161 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 75.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 830 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |