1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 385 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Forester |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
