1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2002 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2002 Ford Mondeo is newer by 5 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mondeo (144 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 123 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.
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, 2002 Ford Mondeo (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2002 Ford Mondeo has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2002 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
