2009 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Discovery 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 2,720 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Discovery (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1171 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 Land Rover Discovery 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 Discovery 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 Discovery (440 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (205 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Discovery | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Discovery | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2720 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2486 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
