2008 Ford Ranger vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford Ranger is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Ranger weights approximately 317 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Ranger. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ranger. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2970 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2480 mm |
