1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 118 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
