2003 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Vibe (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 96 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac Vibe | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vibe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
