1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Mazda 2
To start off, 2013 Mazda 2 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 2 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 117 kg more than 2013 Mazda 2.
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, 2013 Mazda 2 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 2 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1043 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2489 mm |
