1994 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 13 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 230 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.
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, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina (238 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1994 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina 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. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Chevrolet Lumina | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2480 mm |
