2004 Audi A4 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 7 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. Both 2004 Audi A4 and 1997 Volkswagen Golf are equipped with a 1,781 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A4 (161 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A4 weights approximately 265 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 2004 Audi A4 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, 2004 Audi A4 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, 2004 Audi A4 (230 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Audi A4 1997 Volkswagen Golf
Make Audi Volkswagen
Model A4 Golf
Year Released 2004 1997
Body Type Station Wagon Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1781 cc 1781 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 5 valves 5 valves
Horse Power 161 HP 148 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 230 Nm 220 Nm
Torque RPM 1950 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.4 mm 86.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.3:1 9.5:1
Top Speed 223 km/hour 212 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 8.9 seconds 9.4 seconds
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1530 kg 1265 kg
Vehicle Length 4550 mm 4160 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 55 L