1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2010 Kia Sportage is newer by 14 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Sportage weights approximately 305 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.
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, 2010 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Golf | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4351 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1694 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2629 mm |
