1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 84 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 60 L |
