2004 Pontiac Montana vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Pontiac Montana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Pontiac Montana would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Montana (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 560 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Pontiac Montana is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana 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, 2004 Pontiac Montana (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Pontiac Montana has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac Montana | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montana | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
