2009 GMC Acadia vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 GMC Acadia is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 GMC Acadia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 GMC Acadia (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 GMC Acadia should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 GMC Acadia weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 GMC Acadia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2009 GMC Acadia (367 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 GMC Acadia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 GMC Acadia has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 GMC Acadia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 GMC Acadia | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Acadia | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2435 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
