1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1989 Toyota Lexcen
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Lexcen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Lexcen would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Toyota Lexcen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota Lexcen (171 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Lexcen should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Lexcen weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Toyota Lexcen 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 1989 Toyota Lexcen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1989 Toyota Lexcen (293 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota Lexcen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1989 Toyota Lexcen | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Lexcen |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2740 mm |
