1981 Ford Capri vs. 1992 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1992 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 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, 1992 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 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 | 1992 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
