1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 601 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.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
