1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 380 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 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
