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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 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 473 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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 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 | 1608 cc | 1894 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1273 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |