2003 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero weights approximately 610 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Oldsmobile Alero (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alero | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
