Volkswagen Golf III 1.8 Syncro (90 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 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1175 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.6 s). The top speed reaches 175 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.
1.8 Syncro (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance, but the Syncro AWD system adds weight, slightly dulling acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption than FWD 1.8 models due to the AWD system.
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(III: 1992 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 Syncro (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | ABS, ADZ More details about the engine ABS, ADZ |
| Engine displacement: | 1781 |
| 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: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.1 kg/Nm, 123.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1175 |
| Max. weight: | 1655 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1160 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 330 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4020 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1464 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1438 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |



















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