2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 440 would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 334 kg more than 1988 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 440. (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 440 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
