1997 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Lumina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Lumina | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
