1981 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,835 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Golf | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2730 mm |
