1990 Toyota Corolla vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1990 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 583 kg more than 1990 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Toyota Corolla. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota Corolla. (103 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota Corolla | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
