2003 Vauxhall VX220 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall VX220 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Vauxhall VX220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vauxhall VX220 (146 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall VX220 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 290 kg more than 2003 Vauxhall VX220.
Because 2003 Vauxhall VX220 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 Vauxhall VX220. 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 Vauxhall VX220 (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall VX220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Vauxhall VX220 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | VX220 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
