1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2010 Mazda Tribute is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda Tribute (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 349 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, 2010 Mazda Tribute (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2010 Mazda Tribute 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. 2010 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1514 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4442 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1783 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
