1997 Ford Ranger vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 115 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Ranger. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2590 mm |
