1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 126 kg more than 1982 Austin Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Austin Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1982 Austin Ambassador has manual transmission. 1982 Austin Ambassador will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Golf |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
