1981 Ford Capri vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 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 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 305 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
