2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2004 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Hyundai Sonata (131 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 265 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Hyundai Sonata (191 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2004 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
| Model | Golf | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
