Performance Review: Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 - [1991]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Volkswagen-VW Golf Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1991. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1992 Bugatti EB110 SuperSport.This particular Volkswagen-VW Golf has a 2792cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Golf shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Golf's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1155 kgs (2546 lbs) this makes the Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 in the same weight category as the 2017 Lotus Exige 360 Cup 3.5 V6 or the give or take 50kg.

The Volkswagen-VW Golf shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp)

In terms of power the 2792cc 12V V6 engine produces 174 bhp (129 kW) @ 5800 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 170 lb-ft (230.4 Nm) @ 4200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Volkswagen-VW Golf you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (175.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Volkswagen-VW Golf.

The Volkswagen-VW Golf has a Power to weight ratio of 150.6 bhp per ton and 147.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1991 Golf competing with the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (175.6 bhp per ton) or the 1997 Mercedes SL Class 500 (175.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Volkswagen-VW Golf generating around 147.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2013 BMW 3 Series 335i Gran Turismo F34 (172.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Hemi (171.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.3 secs, this made the Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 as fast as the 2018 Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4 Turbo (7.10 secs) the 2013 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 (7.10 secs) the 2012 Lexus ES 350 (7.10 secs) the or the 2011 Abarth 500C Essesse 1.4 Turbo (7.10 secs). This Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 is also faster than the 2018 Abarth 695 XSR Yamaha Automated (7.20 secs) the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (7.20 secs) the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 1.6 Turbo (7.20 secs) the and the 2013 Volvo S60 T5 2.5 Turbo (7.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Golf and the 2013 Lexus IS 350

When talking about the performance of the Volkswagen-VW Golf on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.14 secs @ 90.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2013 Lexus IS 350 (15.07 secs), the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (15.07 secs), and the 1993 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25t Coupe (15.08 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1991 version of the Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Top Speed of the 1991 Golf equals the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1991 Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 then how about the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph), the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (148 mph), or the 2012 Jaguar XJ V6 (148 mph).

Related Links:

1991 Golf Rivals List.

A Brief History of Volkswagen-VW

Car Comparison