1989 Subaru Legacy vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,212 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 25 kg more than 1989 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (188 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Subaru Legacy | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2212 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
