1986 Ford Capri vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1986 Ford Capri. (72 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 418 kg more than 1986 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ford Capri 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 1986 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Capri. (119 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Capri | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
