2005 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser weights approximately 1156 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser (434 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Land Cruiser | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4664 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2316 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2480 mm |
