Volkswagen Golf II (3-door) 1.6 TD (70 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (3-door) Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (II (3-door)). With 133 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.1 l/100km). Weighing only 920 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.6 TD (70 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong low-end torque makes it feel capable, especially for cruising, but acceleration from a standstill is not its strong suit.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy, particularly for longer journeys, making it a highly economical choice for high-mileage drivers.

Best Use Case: Long-distance commuting, economy-focused driving.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic design and heritage with strong brand recognition
  • • Wide range of capable engines, from economical diesels to high-performance GTIs
  • • Practical and spacious for its class, offering good utility
  • • Robust build quality and reliability for its era, known for durability
  • • Extensive aftermarket support and a vibrant enthusiast community

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features compared to modern vehicles
  • • Basic interior on lower trims lacks modern amenities
  • • Prone to rust in certain areas, especially older, unmaintained examples
  • • Older technology and driving dynamics may feel unrefined to modern drivers
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on older carburettor models without careful tuning

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Cabrio: 1982 - 1989).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:II (3-door)
Modification (Engine):1.6 TD (70 Hp)
Start of production:1983
End of production:1987
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:70 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:44.1 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:133 Nm @ 2600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:JR More details about the engine JR
Engine displacement:1588
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:76.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:23:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:14.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:14.5 sec
Maximum speed:160 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.1 kg/Hp, 76.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 144.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:13.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:920
Max. weight:1430
Max load:510
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1145 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:345 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:490 kg
Size:
Length:3985 mm mm
Width:1665-1680 mm mm
Height:1415 mm mm
Wheelbase:2475 mm mm
Front track:1427 mm
Rear (Back) track:1422 mm
Front overhang:810 mm
Rear overhang:700 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/70 R13
Wheel rims size5.5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionElastic beam

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