1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 164 kg more than 2012 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
