1956 Austin A 35 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 35. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 35 would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (69 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 35. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 35. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 416 kg more than 1956 Austin A 35. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 35 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 1956 Austin A 35. 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 (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 35. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 35.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 35 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 35 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 946 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 749 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 45 L |
