1979 Lancia Stratos vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 374 kg more than 1979 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1979 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Stratos. 2012 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Stratos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Stratos | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
