1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevette | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
