1999 Opel Omega vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Opel Omega is newer by 18 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Opel Omega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Omega (125 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Omega should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Omega weights approximately 525 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.
Because 1999 Opel Omega 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 Opel Omega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Opel Omega (241 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Omega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Opel Omega | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Omega | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2480 mm |
