2004 Pontiac Montana vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Montana 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. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Montana (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 675 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 Pontiac Montana 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 Pontiac Montana 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 Pontiac Montana (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac Montana | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montana | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
