1998 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 411 kg more than 2008 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 Pontiac Trans Sport (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trans Sport | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
