1997 Rover 800 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Rover 800 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 800 (173 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Rover 800 weights approximately 211 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Rover 800 | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 800 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2580 mm |
