1989 Subaru Legacy vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 2,211 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Subaru Legacy (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 175 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (245 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2211 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2590 mm |
