1997 Ford F-250 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford F-250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford F-250 would be higher. At 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford F-250 (306 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-250 weights approximately 987 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ford F-250 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 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, 1997 Ford F-250 (575 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 1997 Ford F-250 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford F-250 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-250 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | F-250 | GTI |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6800 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2380 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2578 mm |
