2009 Kia Carnival vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Kia Carnival 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 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Carnival (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Carnival weights approximately 919 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Kia Carnival (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Carnival | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carnival | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2024 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
