1996 Rover 200 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 200 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 75 kg more than 1996 Rover 200. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 200. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 200. 2001 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Rover 200 has manual transmission. 1996 Rover 200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 200 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2512 mm |
