1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2013 Kia Sportage is newer by 16 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Sportage (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Sportage weights approximately 272 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 2013 Kia Sportage 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, 2013 Kia Sportage 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, 2013 Kia Sportage (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Golf | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1855 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
