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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 129 kg more than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 150 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. 2008 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. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 310 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 | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1354 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 |
