2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry 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 45 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry 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. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Cherry |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2400 mm |
