2003 Subaru Baja 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 Subaru Baja. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Baja would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Baja is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Baja (164 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Baja should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Baja weights approximately 415 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Subaru Baja 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 Subaru Baja 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, 2003 Subaru Baja (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Baja will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Baja | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Baja | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2590 mm |
