1999 Volkswagen Fusca vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 480 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Fusca is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Volkswagen Fusca. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Fusca.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Fusca | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusca | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
