1988 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Laser (85 HP) has 32 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser.
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, 1980 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 1980 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Golf | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Laser |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 85 HP |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2370 mm |
