2009 Audi A3 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Audi A3 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Model | A3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
