2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Holden Commodore (164 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Holden Commodore weights approximately 96 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 1988 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1988 Holden Commodore (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Holden |
| Model | Golf | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2740 mm |
