1998 Ford Laser vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. Both 1998 Ford Laser and 2008 Volkswagen Golf are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 142 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laser | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
