1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1980 Volvo 245
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 245. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 245 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1980 Volvo 245 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Volvo 245. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volvo 245 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1980 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 245 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2660 mm |
