1980 Opel Commodore vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 24 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Opel Commodore 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 1980 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Commodore | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1312 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
