1963 Toyota Publica vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1963 Toyota Publica. (29 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1963 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 497 kg more than 1963 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Toyota Publica 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 1963 Toyota Publica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Toyota Publica. (54 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Toyota Publica | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Publica | Golf |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
