1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
To start off, 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser is newer by 6 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 2,986 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser (148 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser weights approximately 771 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 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Land Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 12.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 87 L |
