2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Vibe (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 276 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Vibe | Golf |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1501 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4246 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1782 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1423 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |