1970 Opel Olympia vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1970 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 325 kg more than 1970 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Olympia | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 125 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 | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2470 mm |
