2007 Kia Sportage vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 10 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sportage weights approximately 164 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage 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, 2007 Kia Sportage 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Sportage | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sportage | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1324 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
