2009 Mazda 2 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Mazda 2 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 2 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 2 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1990 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 Mazda 2 (137 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 2 | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
