1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 53 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 160 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (97 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 97 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
