1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 835 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 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
