1987 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1964 Volvo 120
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Volvo 120 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Volvo 120 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Volvo 120 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 1964 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1964 Volvo 120 (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1964 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Volkswagen Golf | 1964 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
