1959 Ford Anglia vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Anglia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Anglia would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1959 Ford Anglia. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Anglia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 448 kg more than 1959 Ford Anglia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1959 Ford Anglia 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 Ford Anglia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Anglia. (75 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Anglia.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Ford Anglia 1981 Volkswagen Golf
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Anglia Golf
Year Released 1959 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 997 cc 1781 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 38 HP 90 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 75 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 2500 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 737 kg 1185 kg
Vehicle Length 3910 mm 3820 mm
Vehicle Width 1440 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 2310 mm 2480 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 31 L 55 L