1968 Opel GT vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel GT would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1968 Opel GT. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 290 kg more than 1968 Opel GT. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel GT 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 1968 Opel GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel GT. (87 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel GT | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
