1997 Honda Life vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 506 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
