2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 16 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (205 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1331 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
