1997 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (127 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 550 kg more than 1985 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, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Lumina | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
