2003 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Pilot. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Pilot would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Pilot (240 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 232 kg more than 2003 Honda Pilot.
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 Honda Pilot (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Honda Pilot has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Pilot will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Pilot | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pilot | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
