1968 Triumph Vitesse 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 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,596 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Triumph Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 280 kg more than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Triumph Vitesse. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Triumph Vitesse | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitesse | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
