1945 Austin 16 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1945 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1945 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1945 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1945 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1945 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1945 Austin 16 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1945 Austin 16 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 1945 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1945 Austin 16. (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1945 Austin 16. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1945 Austin 16 has manual transmission. 1945 Austin 16 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1945 Austin 16 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1945 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
