1965 Triumph Vitesse vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1965 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1965 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 80 kg more than 1965 Triumph Vitesse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Triumph Vitesse. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Triumph Vitesse. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Triumph Vitesse | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitesse | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
