2006 Saturn Relay vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Saturn Relay is newer by 28 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn Relay (196 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn Relay weights approximately 694 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 2006 Saturn Relay 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, 2006 Saturn Relay 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, 2006 Saturn Relay (289 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Saturn Relay 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. 2006 Saturn Relay will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn Relay | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Saturn | Volkswagen |
| Model | Relay | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
