1997 Opel Frontera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Opel Frontera would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Opel Frontera. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Frontera weights approximately 144 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1997 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Opel Frontera 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Opel Frontera. (203 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Opel Frontera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Opel Frontera | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1639 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
