1990 Oldsmobile Bravada vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada (158 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada weights approximately 605 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada will offer significantly more control. 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 Oldsmobile Bravada (312 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Oldsmobile Bravada | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Bravada | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4298 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
