2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1975 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1975 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1975 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 420 kg more than 1975 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Toyota Corolla is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Toyota Corolla. (112 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Toyota Corolla. 1975 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 1975 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2410 mm |
