2003 Isuzu Ascender vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Isuzu Ascender is newer by 22 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 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Isuzu Ascender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Isuzu Ascender (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Isuzu Ascender should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Isuzu Ascender weights approximately 985 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 2003 Isuzu Ascender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Isuzu Ascender 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, 2003 Isuzu Ascender (374 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Isuzu Ascender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Isuzu Ascender 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. 2003 Isuzu Ascender will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Isuzu Ascender | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Isuzu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ascender | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2170 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3280 mm | 2480 mm |
