2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2006 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2006 Volvo XC90 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo XC90 (235 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 794 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo XC90 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, 2006 Volvo XC90 (321 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Volvo XC90 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo XC90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | XC90 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1982 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
