1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 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. Both 1997 Volkswagen Golf and 2007 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,984 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (198 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 155 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
