1988 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (110 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 235 kg more than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (193 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. 1999 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1988 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 1988 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Hyundai Sonata | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sonata | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1217 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
