1998 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Toyota Corolla is newer by 14 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Corolla (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 142 kg more than 2012 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2012 Toyota Corolla (173 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
