1988 Saab 9000 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (127 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 373 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Saab 9000 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Saab | Volkswagen |
| Model | 9000 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2480 mm |
