1981 Toyota Corona vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Corona | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corona | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
