2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 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 4,306 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 235 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 Ferrari F430 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 Ferrari F430. 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 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | F430 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4306 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
