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Volkswagen Golf II (5-door, facelift 1987) 1.6 TD (80 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 (5-door, facelift 1987) Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (II (5-door, facelift 1987)). With 155 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.3 l/100km). Weighing only 985 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.2 s). The top speed reaches 169 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 (80 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A surprisingly punchy diesel, offering a good balance of power and efficiency for daily driving.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy, making it a practical and economical choice for longer journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust build quality
- • Wide range of reliable engines
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Engaging driving dynamics (especially GTI models)
- • Strong aftermarket support and classic appeal
Cons:
- • Dated safety features (pre-Euro NCAP)
- • Basic interior on lower trims
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
- • Some engines are underpowered for modern traffic
- • GTI models are becoming expensive
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (3-door, facelift 1987): 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | II (5-door, facelift 1987) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 TD (80 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 80 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 155 Nm @ 2500-3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | RA, SB More details about the engine RA, SB |
| 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, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| 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: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 169 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.3 kg/Hp, 81.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 157.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 985 |
| Max. weight: | 1465 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1145 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 490 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3985-4040 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1665-1680 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1427 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1422 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13; 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 13; 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Elastic beam |
Does the Volkswagen Golf live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!