1971 Jaguar E-Type vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jaguar E-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jaguar E-Type would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1971 Jaguar E-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (272 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jaguar E-Type should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jaguar E-Type weights approximately 153 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Jaguar E-Type 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 1971 Jaguar E-Type. 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, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (420 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Jaguar E-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jaguar E-Type | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | E-Type | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5850 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
