1988 Renault 4 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 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1988 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 604 kg more than 1988 Renault 4. 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 Renault 4. 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 (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 4 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 62 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 695 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
