2000 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 47 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Pontiac Trans Am 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 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am (454 Nm) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (202 Nm). This means 2000 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Pontiac Trans Am | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trans Am | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1347 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
