1990 Rover 400 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Rover 400 (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 341 kg more than 1990 Rover 400.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (144 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Rover 400 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2578 mm |
