1997 Volkswagen Gol vs. 2004 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Gol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Gol would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Gol. (49 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Gol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 330 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Gol. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Gol. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Gol. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac Vibe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Gol. 2004 Pontiac Vibe has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Gol has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Gol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Pontiac Vibe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Gol | 2004 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Gol | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
