2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 205 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Wartburg |
| Model | Golf | 311 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
