2004 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 170 kg more than 2004 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2004 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac Vibe | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vibe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
