1997 Marcos Mantis vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Marcos Mantis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Marcos Mantis would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Marcos Mantis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Marcos Mantis (352 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Marcos Mantis should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 101 kg more than 1997 Marcos Mantis.
Because 1997 Marcos Mantis is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Marcos Mantis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Marcos Mantis (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Marcos Mantis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1997 Marcos Mantis has manual transmission. 1997 Marcos Mantis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Marcos Mantis | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Marcos | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mantis | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 352 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1189 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
