2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC90 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,200 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC90 (240 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 995 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC90 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 Volvo XC90 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Volvo XC90 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volvo XC90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | XC90 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4808 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1897 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1783 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
