1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2013 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Fiesta (118 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 7 kg more than 2013 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2013 Ford Fiesta (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1153 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4067 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2489 mm |
