1994 Lancia Kappa vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1994 Lancia Kappa 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 1,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1994 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lancia Kappa (145 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 261 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 Lancia Kappa (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1994 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1994 Lancia Kappa 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 Lancia Kappa will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lancia Kappa | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kappa | Golf |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
