1989 Ford Laser vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Ford Laser is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1989 Ford Laser. (66 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 395 kg more than 1989 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Laser. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Laser. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Laser | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laser | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
