1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Bentley Continental GT
To start off, 2012 Bentley Continental GT is newer by 16 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Bentley Continental GT (567 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 452 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental GT should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Bentley Continental GT is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Bentley Continental GT 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, 2012 Bentley Continental GT (700 Nm) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 2012 Bentley Continental GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Bentley Continental GT 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. 2012 Bentley Continental GT will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Bentley Continental GT | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Bentley |
| Model | Golf | Continental GT |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 567 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4806 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1943 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1405 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2746 mm |
