2008 Ford GT vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford GT is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford GT (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 404 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford GT should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford GT weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford GT 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 GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 GT (678 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 476 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (202 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford GT | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105.8 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
