2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 113 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 Pontiac Vibe 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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2003 Pontiac Vibe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac Vibe | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vibe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
