2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 71 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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 (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1204 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
