1997 Volvo S70 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo S70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo S70 would be higher. At 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S70. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 116 kg more than 1997 Volvo S70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S70. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volvo S70 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S70 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2434 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
