2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 94 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Dodge Caliber. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caliber | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
