1996 Hyundai Lantra 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 Hyundai Lantra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Hyundai Lantra would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Hyundai Lantra. (87 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Hyundai Lantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 251 kg more than 1996 Hyundai Lantra. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Hyundai Lantra. (128 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Hyundai Lantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Hyundai Lantra | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lantra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1494 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2578 mm |
