1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Proton Arena
To start off, 2012 Proton Arena 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Proton Arena (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Proton Arena should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 Proton Arena.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Proton Arena. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Proton Arena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Proton Arena | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Proton |
| Model | Golf | Arena |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
