1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer (291 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 455 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 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Golf | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4496 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
