1983 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1990 Volvo 460
To start off, 1990 Volvo 460 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 460 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 460 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 460 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Volvo 460 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (129 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 460 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Golf | 1990 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 460 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
