1990 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Chevrolet Cruze (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Golf | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
