2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 173 kg more than 1989 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla. 1989 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2440 mm |
