2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO is newer by 26 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 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 1110 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.
Because 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 2006 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Pontiac GTO | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | GTO | Golf |
Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5969 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 542 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 23.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |