1989 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 294 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volkswagen Golf | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2480 mm |
