1988 Ford Sierra vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 130 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Sierra 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 1988 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2480 mm |
