1997 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 109 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2327 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
