2007 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1990 Volvo 480
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 325 kg more than 1990 Volvo 480. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Golf | 1990 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 480 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
