2004 Pontiac GTO vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 337 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac GTO | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
