1956 Lancia Appia vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 48 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1956 Lancia Appia. (43 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 495 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Lancia Appia. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Lancia Appia. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1956 Lancia Appia has manual transmission. 1956 Lancia Appia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Lancia Appia | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Appia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
