1981 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 510 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trail Duster | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2512 mm |
