1981 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 26 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 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1655 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 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 671 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Golf | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1093 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
