1998 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 460 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 460. (118 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 289 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Volvo 460. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Golf | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 460 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
