1998 Toyota Hi-Ace vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace. (89 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 540 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota Hi-Ace | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Hi-Ace | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1450 mm |
