1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (192 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (436 Nm) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
| Model | Golf | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16:01 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2700 mm |
