1996 Dodge Intrepid vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Intrepid. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Intrepid would be higher. At 3,522 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Intrepid is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Intrepid (214 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 215 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1996 Dodge Intrepid (339 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Intrepid will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Dodge Intrepid has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Intrepid | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Intrepid | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3522 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 214 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5126 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
