1998 Subaru Legacy vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 Subaru Legacy. (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 8 kg more than 1998 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Subaru Legacy 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Subaru Legacy. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Subaru Legacy | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1481 mm |
