2003 Ferrari 612 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 612 is newer by 6 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 5,747 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 612 (532 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 458 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ferrari 612 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ferrari 612 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 2003 Ferrari 612. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2003 Ferrari 612 (588 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 463 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ferrari 612 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 612 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 532 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 588 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 108 L | 55 L |
