2000 Dodge Neon vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Dodge Neon is newer by 3 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Dodge Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Dodge Neon (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 65 kg more than 2000 Dodge Neon.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Neon. (177 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Neon | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Neon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
