2001 Ford Excursion vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Ford Excursion is newer by 23 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 5,405 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Excursion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Excursion (252 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Excursion should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Excursion weights approximately 2505 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 2001 Ford Excursion is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Excursion will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Ford Excursion (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Excursion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Ford Excursion has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Excursion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Excursion | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excursion | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5405 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 474 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 3261 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2040 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 167 L | 45 L |
