2003 Ford C-MAX 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 Ford C-MAX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford C-MAX would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford C-MAX weights approximately 42 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford C-MAX (245 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford C-MAX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford C-MAX | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | C-MAX | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
