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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Vibe (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 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 59 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 (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 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 | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
