1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2011 Subaru Impreza 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Impreza (395 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 345 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 Subaru Impreza 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, 2011 Subaru Impreza 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, 2011 Subaru Impreza (515 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
