1998 Toyota Caldina vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Toyota Caldina is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,801 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota Caldina (255 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Caldina should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Toyota Caldina is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Caldina 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, 1998 Toyota Caldina (324 Nm) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (235 Nm). This means 1998 Toyota Caldina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Toyota Caldina has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Toyota Caldina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota Caldina | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caldina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 2801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
