2003 Holden Cruze 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 Holden Cruze. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Cruze would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 203 kg more than 2003 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Holden Cruze is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden Cruze 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 (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Cruze | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cruze | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
