2004 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 1 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 120 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 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2004 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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:
2004 Pontiac Vibe | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Vibe | Golf |
Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 122 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2512 mm |