2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 228 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Golf | 353 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
