1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 200 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
Because 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus 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 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Talbot | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunbeam-Lotus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
