2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Toyota Corolla is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Corolla (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 150 kg more than 2002 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, 2012 Toyota Corolla (173 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4554 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1763 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1466 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2601 mm | 2512 mm |
