1969 Honda S800 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1969 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1969 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 740 kg more than 1969 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Honda S800 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 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S800 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
