1979 Talbot Horizon vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Talbot Horizon. (58 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 450 kg more than 1979 Talbot Horizon. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Talbot Horizon | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Talbot | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
