1998 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 98 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Prizm | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prizm | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2520 mm |
