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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 133 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 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 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. 2012 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. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Pontiac Vibe | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Vibe | Golf |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1358 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4199 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |