1997 Rover 200 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 Rover 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Rover 200 would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1997 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 260 kg more than 1997 Rover 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Rover 200. (128 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Rover 200 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
