1999 Lotus GT 1 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus GT 1 (573 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 524 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus GT 1 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lotus GT 1 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 1999 Lotus GT 1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1999 Lotus GT 1 (390 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus GT 1 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT 1 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 573 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
