1956 Lancia Appia 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 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1956 Lancia Appia. (43 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 471 kg more than 1956 Lancia Appia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Lancia Appia 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 Lancia Appia. 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 (195 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Lancia Appia. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Lancia Appia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Lancia Appia | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Appia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
