1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 429 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevette | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
