1987 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 385 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. 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 (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
