1962 Triumph Vitesse vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 452 kg more than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Triumph Vitesse 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 Triumph Vitesse. 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Triumph Vitesse | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitesse | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
