1981 Porsche 944 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 Porsche 944 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 944 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
