1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,157 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer weights approximately 940 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (374 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Golf | TrailBlazer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 4157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2880 mm |
