1962 Rover P5 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1962 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Rover P5 weights approximately 389 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1962 Rover P5 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 1962 Rover P5. 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, 1962 Rover P5 (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (195 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1962 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Rover P5 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P5 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
