1998 Ford Probe vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 400 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1998 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Probe | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
