1946 Austin 16 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1946 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1946 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1946 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 4 kg more than 1946 Austin 16. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1946 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 1946 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1946 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1946 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1946 Austin 16 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1946 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
