1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2004 Honda CR-V

To start off, 2004 Honda CR-V is newer by 7 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda CR-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda CR-V (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda CR-V should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda CR-V weights approximately 290 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 2004 Honda CR-V 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, 2004 Honda CR-V 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda CR-V. (144 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda CR-V. 2004 Honda CR-V 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. 2004 Honda CR-V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Volkswagen Golf 2004 Honda CR-V
Make Volkswagen Honda
Model Golf CR-V
Year Released 1997 2004
Body Type Hatchback SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1595 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 100 HP 154 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 145 Nm 144 Nm
Torque RPM 3800 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.5:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Front 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1210 kg 1500 kg
Vehicle Length 4400 mm 4570 mm
Vehicle Width 1740 mm 1790 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1720 mm
Wheelbase Size 2520 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 58 L