1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 52 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 824 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electron | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
