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Volkswagen Golf III 1.4 (60 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
III Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (III). With 116 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8 l/100km). Weighing only 1030 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.9 s). The top speed reaches 157 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.
Tested in 1994, the Golf III achieved a 2.5-star rating for adult occupant protection, considered average for its era but significantly less safe by modern standards. It represented an improvement over earlier generations.
1.4 (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Underpowered, best suited for city driving where its lack of power is less noticeable.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a small petrol engine, making it cheap to run.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful VR6 and GTI models.
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class, especially the 5-door hatchback.
- • Generally reliable and durable, with many examples still on the road.
- • Good aftermarket support and parts availability.
- • Excellent value as a used car, offering solid build quality for the price.
Cons:
- • Safety ratings are poor by modern standards, reflecting its age.
- • Base models can feel underpowered and unrefined.
- • Interior plastics can feel dated and prone to wear.
- • Rust can be an issue, particularly on older, less well-maintained examples.
- • Some engines, especially the VR6, have high fuel consumption.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (3-door, facelift 1987): 1990 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.1 Hp/l [20mm less] |
| Torque: | 116 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AEX, ABD More details about the engine AEX, ABD |
| Engine displacement: | 1391 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.4 l |
| Coolant: | 5.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 157 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 17.2 kg/Hp, 58.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.9 kg/Nm, 112.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1030 |
| Max. weight: | 1505 |
| Max load: | 475 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 687 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4020 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1478 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1448 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Golf rank in your book?