1990 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 27 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Golf | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2700 mm |
