2009 Land Rover Freelander vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Freelander is newer by 31 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 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Freelander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Freelander (158 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Freelander should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Freelander weights approximately 1952 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 2009 Land Rover Freelander 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, 2009 Land Rover Freelander 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, 2009 Land Rover Freelander (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Freelander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Freelander | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Freelander | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2179 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
