1964 Honda S500 vs. 2011 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Honda S500 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1964 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1964 Honda S500.
Because 1964 Honda S500 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 1964 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Honda S500 | 2011 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | GTI |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 491 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4211 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
