1991 Toyota Starlet vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1991 Toyota Starlet. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 430 kg more than 1991 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Toyota Starlet. (77 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Toyota Starlet | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Starlet | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
