1999 Honda Z vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Honda Z is newer by 2 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 145 kg more than 1999 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Z 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Z | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
