2009 Suzuki Equator vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Equator 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Suzuki Equator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Suzuki Equator (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Suzuki Equator should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 185 kg more than 2009 Suzuki Equator.
Because 2009 Suzuki Equator is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Suzuki Equator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Suzuki Equator (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Suzuki Equator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Suzuki Equator has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Suzuki Equator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Suzuki Equator | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Equator | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2520 mm |
