1968 Opel Olympia vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 380 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2520 mm |
