2009 Kia Rondo vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Kia Rondo 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Rondo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rondo (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rondo should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rondo weights approximately 225 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.
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 Rondo (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Rondo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Kia Rondo has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Rondo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rondo | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rondo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
