2006 Land Rover Defender vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 323 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Land Rover Defender | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
