1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Toyota Hilux
To start off, 2012 Toyota Hilux 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Hilux is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Hilux (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Hilux should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Hilux weights approximately 155 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 Toyota Hilux is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota Hilux. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Hilux (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Hilux 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 Toyota Hilux has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Hilux 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 Toyota Hilux | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Hilux |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
