1988 Ford Sierra vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 299 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2578 mm |
