1985 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 350 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
