1981 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 31 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 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 543 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 684 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 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 521 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Volkswagen | McLaren |
| Model | Golf | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1093 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
