1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (129 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 308 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
