1990 Renault Alpine vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Renault Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Renault Alpine would be higher. At 2,458 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Renault Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Renault Alpine (182 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Renault Alpine should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Renault Alpine weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Renault Alpine 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 1990 Renault Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1990 Renault Alpine (290 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Renault Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault Alpine | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
