2002 Dodge Neon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Neon would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Neon. (212 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 315 kg more than 2002 Dodge Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Dodge Neon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Neon. (304 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Neon. 2002 Dodge Neon has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Dodge Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Dodge Neon | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
Model | Neon | Golf |
Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 212 HP | 266 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1521 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4213 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1501 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |