1999 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Lexus ES
To start off, 2012 Lexus ES 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus ES (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus ES weights approximately 165 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 Lexus ES. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus ES. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus ES. 2012 Lexus ES 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 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lexus |
| Model | Golf | ES |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
