1949 Rover P4 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 63 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,102 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1949 Rover P4. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1949 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Rover P4 weights approximately 93 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1949 Rover P4 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 1949 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Rover P4. (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Rover P4 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2102 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
