1983 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (122 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 388 kg more than 1983 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Toyota Corolla 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 1983 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (143 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Corolla. 2012 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1983 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1983 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Golf |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
