2003 Ford Mondeo vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Ford Mondeo 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 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mondeo (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 285 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.
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, 2003 Ford Mondeo (175 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mondeo | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mondeo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2470 mm |
