2003 Buick Rainier vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Buick Rainier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Buick Rainier would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rainier (286 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Rainier weights approximately 887 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier 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, 2003 Buick Rainier (441 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rainier | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2205 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2520 mm |
