1998 Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 136 kg more than 1998 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Subaru Impreza | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impreza | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2590 mm |
