1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Hyundai i30
To start off, 2012 Hyundai i30 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 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai i30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai i30 (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai i30 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai i30 weights approximately 249 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, 2012 Hyundai i30 (255 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai i30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Hyundai i30 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
| Model | Golf | i30 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 77.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
