2007 Pontiac Solstice vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2007 Pontiac Solstice is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac Solstice (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Pontiac Solstice | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
