1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 92 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2590 mm |
