1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1977 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 315 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1977 Volkswagen Golf (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 1977 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electron | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
