2003 Honda Z vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Honda Z 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (150 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2003 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 252 kg more than 2003 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Z will offer significantly more control. 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 (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Z | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 654 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
