1981 Renault 5 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 5 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 14.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
