2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1469 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1239 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
