2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 195 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silverado | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5850 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
