2008 Ford E-150 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford E-150 is newer by 11 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 133 kg more than 2008 Ford E-150.
Because 2008 Ford E-150 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 2008 Ford E-150. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2008 Ford E-150 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Ford E-150 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. 2008 Ford E-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford E-150 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | E-150 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6030 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 55 L |
