2005 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 214 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm). This means 2005 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1402 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
