1983 Ford Tempo vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 297 kg more than 1983 Ford Tempo. 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 1983 Ford Tempo. 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 (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Tempo | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tempo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2470 mm |
