1998 Toyota Picnic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Picnic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Picnic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Picnic. (126 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Picnic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 183 kg more than 1998 Toyota Picnic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Toyota Picnic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Picnic. (181 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Picnic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota Picnic | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Picnic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
