1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2011 Ford Expedition is newer by 14 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1515 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 2011 Ford Expedition is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Ford Expedition. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Ford Expedition 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. 2011 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5621 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1974 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3327 mm |
