1965 Austin A 90 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin A 90 (120 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Austin A 90 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1965 Austin A 90 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 1965 Austin A 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1965 Austin A 90 (221 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1965 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.

Compare all specifications:

1965 Austin A 90 1981 Volkswagen Golf
Make Austin Volkswagen
Model A 90 Golf
Year Released 1965 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2910 cc 1781 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 120 HP 90 HP
Engine RPM 4750 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 221 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 2750 RPM 2500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 83.4 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88.9 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 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1570 kg 1185 kg
Vehicle Length 4780 mm 3820 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1540 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 2750 mm 2480 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 34 L 55 L