2007 Land Rover Defender vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Land Rover Defender 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 2,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2007 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2007 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2007 Land Rover Defender 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 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, 2007 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Land Rover Defender | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2286 kg | 1239 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
