1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (137 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 107 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
