1996 Toyota Corolla vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 150 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 2005 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
