1999 Subaru Forester vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1999 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Subaru Forester weights approximately 138 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1999 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Subaru Forester | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
