2003 Acura TL vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura TL weights approximately 224 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura TL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL. 2003 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | TL | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
