1985 Toyota Corolla vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Toyota Corolla (122 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 170 kg more than 1985 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1985 Toyota Corolla 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 1985 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (140 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Toyota Corolla | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
