1998 Ford Probe vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 115 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Ford Probe.
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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Probe | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
