2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2003 Chevrolet SSR and 2003 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 1049 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet SSR is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Chevrolet SSR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | SSR | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2512 mm |
