2003 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Forester. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Forester weights approximately 24 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2003 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Forester 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Forester | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | GTI |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2456 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
