1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (150 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 539 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zeta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
