2012 Porsche Panamera vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera is newer by 14 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Panamera (300 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Panamera weights approximately 470 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.
Because 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 2012 Porsche Panamera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2012 Porsche Panamera (400 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panamera | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4968 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1931 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1408 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
