2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1963 Rover P5
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1963 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1963 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Rover P5 weights approximately 436 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1963 Rover P5 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 1963 Rover P5. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Rover P5. (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Rover P5. 1963 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1963 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Rover |
| Model | Golf | P5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
