2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2013 Subaru Forester is newer by 10 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 2,500 cc (16 cylinders), 2013 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Subaru Forester (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Subaru Forester weights approximately 395 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 2013 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2013 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2013 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4148 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1735 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2512 mm | 2615 mm |
