2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 1979 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (120 HP) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1312 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 1979 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2117 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2040 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 45 L |
