2008 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 27 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche (320 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 1017 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 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche (461 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 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. 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avalanche | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2202 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
