1968 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 240 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1600 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 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1583 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
