1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Acura RDX
To start off, 2012 Acura RDX is newer by 15 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Acura RDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura RDX weights approximately 623 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 2012 Acura RDX 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, 2012 Acura RDX 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, 2012 Acura RDX (352 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Acura RDX 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. 2012 Acura RDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Acura RDX | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Acura |
| Model | Golf | RDX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1783 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1869 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1654 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2649 mm |
