2008 Ford Fusion vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford Fusion 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fusion. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 49 kg more than 2008 Ford Fusion. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fusion. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fusion | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusion | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 176 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
