1981 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 217 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Plymouth Horizon | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1217 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
