2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 12 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 6,161 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1399 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Cadillac Escalade is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade 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, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Cadillac Escalade has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escalade | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6161 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 403 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2609 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
