1999 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (281 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 814 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Chevrolet Traverse (360 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Traverse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Golf | Traverse |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1299 kg | 2113 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 5207 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
