Volkswagen Golf II (5-door, facelift 1987) 1.3 (55 Hp) Manual 5-speed


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (5-door, facelift 1987) Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (II (5-door, facelift 1987)). With 97 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.9 l/100km). Weighing only 910 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.5 s). The top speed reaches 151 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.3 (55 Hp) Manual 5-speed Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for city driving, but struggles on highways with limited power.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for its time, especially in urban settings.

Best Use Case: City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust build quality
  • • Wide range of reliable engines
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class
  • • Engaging driving dynamics (especially GTI models)
  • • Strong aftermarket support and classic appeal

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features (pre-Euro NCAP)
  • • Basic interior on lower trims
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models
  • • Some engines are underpowered for modern traffic
  • • GTI models are becoming expensive

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (3-door, facelift 1987): 1987 - 1991).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:II (5-door, facelift 1987)
Modification (Engine):1.3 (55 Hp) Manual 5-speed
Start of production:1988
End of production:1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:55 Hp @ 5200 rpm.
Power per litre:43.2 Hp/l
Torque:97 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:NZ [Same engine] More details about the engine NZ
Engine displacement:1272
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:6.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75 mm mm
Piston Stroke:72 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:16.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:16.5 sec
Maximum speed:151 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:16.5 kg/Hp, 60.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.4 kg/Nm, 106.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:15.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:910
Max. weight:1370
Max load:460
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1145 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:330 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):800 kg
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:460 kg
Size:
Length:3985-4040 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1665 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1415 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1427 mm
Rear (Back) track:1422 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size155/65 R13
Wheel rims size5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionElastic beam

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