1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 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), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 545 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
