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