1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 342 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 1981 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2578 mm |
