1969 Opel Olympia 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 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 510 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Opel Olympia. 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 (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Opel Olympia | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
