2001 Honda Life vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2001 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 524 kg more than 2001 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Life | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2578 mm |
