1996 Rover 200 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 155 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 200. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 200 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1598 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 | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2590 mm |
