1971 Rover 3.5 Litre vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 354 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 Rover 3.5 Litre. 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, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3.5 Litre | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |
