1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1303
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1303. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1303 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 410 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1303 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 1968 Volkswagen 1303. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1303.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1968 Volkswagen 1303 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | 1303 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
