1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2012 Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Impreza (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 280 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 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, 2012 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, 2012 Subaru Impreza (330 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2012 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 2012 Subaru Impreza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2624 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
