1964 Renault 8 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Renault 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Renault 8 would be higher. At 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Renault 8 (95 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Renault 8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 307 kg more than 1964 Renault 8.
Because 1964 Renault 8 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 Renault 8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Renault 8. (99 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Renault 8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Renault 8 | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2480 mm |
