2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Laser (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 455 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1980 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Laser |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2370 mm |
