2005 Dodge Neon vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Dodge Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Neon would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Neon. (132 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 350 kg more than 2005 Dodge Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Dodge Neon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Neon. (177 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Neon | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Neon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
