2003 GMC Sonoma vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 GMC Sonoma is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 GMC Sonoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 GMC Sonoma (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 GMC Sonoma should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Sonoma weights approximately 365 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 GMC Sonoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Sonoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 GMC Sonoma has manual transmission. 2003 GMC Sonoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 GMC Sonoma | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sonoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2512 mm |
