1998 Lexus GS vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus GS would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Lexus GS. (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Lexus GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 172 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Lexus GS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Lexus GS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lexus GS. (304 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lexus GS | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | GS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
