1981 Subaru Coupe vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Coupe would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 332 kg more than 1981 Subaru Coupe. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Coupe. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1981 Subaru Coupe has manual transmission. 1981 Subaru Coupe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Subaru Coupe | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Coupe | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2580 mm |
