1989 Ford RS 200 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,804 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford RS 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 86 kg more than 1989 Ford RS 200.
Because 1989 Ford RS 200 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Ford RS 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford RS 200 has manual transmission. 1989 Ford RS 200 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:
| 1989 Ford RS 200 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | RS 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 55 L |
