1998 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 128 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. 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 2011 Kia Soul. 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 (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Golf | Soul |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 48 L |
