1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2013 Subaru Impreza 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Subaru Impreza (146 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 195 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 2013 Subaru Impreza 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, 2013 Subaru Impreza 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, 2013 Subaru Impreza (197 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| 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 | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1988 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1465 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2645 mm |
