2004 Dodge Ram vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 8,276 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Ram (493 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1026 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Dodge Ram is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Dodge Ram. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Dodge Ram (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 512 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Ram | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ram | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8276 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2268 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
