'Are we there yet, Mr Holmes' - facts and figures
1898 Thomson steam car
2019 VW Polo Comfortline 85TSI
Distance travelled: 793.80km
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Running time: 56 hours 36 minutes
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Average speed: 14.03km/h
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Kerosene consumption: 190 litres
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Average consumption including water: 0.511 L/100km
Distance travelled: 712.1
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Running time: 8 hours 43 minutes
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Average speed: 84km/h
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95RON petrol consumption: 61.58 litres
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Average consumption:
5.1 L/100km
Builder: Herbert Thomson, Armadale, Vic
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Engine: Two cylinder, vertical compound
Steam generator: Tubular boiler 12in x 12in x 16in. 250lbs psi.
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Max power: 5hp (3.73kW) at 1000rpm
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Max torque: N/A
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Transmission: Two-speed belt and pulley, manual adjustment
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Suspension: Three elliptical springs. Front spring transversed over front axle
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Steering: Single hand lever controlling the front wheels
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Turning circle: 12ft (3.65m)
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Brakes: N/A
Fuel: Kerosene with a flashpoint of 150deg F. Both fuel and water supplies automatic
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Fuel tank: 1.25 tins of kerosene
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Fuel consumption: .084 gallons per mile
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Wheels: Front - 38in. Rear - 48in diameter
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Top speed: 25mph controlled by hand-operated throttle valve
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Body: Built by King (later Martin and King) of fiddleback ash and silky oak strengthened with steel. Upholstery of coil springs, padding, calico and soft leather
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Length: 2702mm
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Width: 1419mm
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Height: 1779mm
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Weight: 508kg
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Standard equipment: None
Builder: Volkswagen, Uitenhage, South Africa
Engine: 1-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol
Max power: 85kW at 5000-5500rpm
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Max torque: 200Nm at 2000-3500rpm
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Transmission: Seven-speed DSG automatic. Front-wheel-drive
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Suspension: Front - MacPherson struts and coil springs/Rear - torsion beam axle, trailing arms, coil springs
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Steering: Electro-mechanical power-assisted rack and pinion
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Turning circle: 10.6m
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Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs
Fuel: 95RON petrol
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Fuel tank: 40 litres
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Fuel consumption: 5 litres per 100 kilometres
Wheels: Front - 15in. Rear - 15in diameter
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Top speed: Approx 160km/h
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Body: Monocoque, based on the MQB platform, unitary construction from high strength and very high strength steels.
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Length: 4053mm
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Width: 1751mm
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Height: 1446mm
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Weight: 1152kg
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Standard equipment: Air-conditioning, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, sat-nav, on-board computer, full suite of driver and safety aids, alloy wheels, 8-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, full-size spare wheel, four-wheel disc brakes, 351-litre boot
Then
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Thomson’s workshop at 835 High Street, Armadale
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Now
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Hocking Stuart Real Estate
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Then
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The Thomson Motor Car Ltd
305 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
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Now
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Campus of Victoria University
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Then
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Volkswagen Australia manufacturing plant
Centre Road, Carnegie, Victoria
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Now
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(formerly Holden Special Vehicles assembly plant)