2005 Pontiac Sunfire 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 Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 30 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2005 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire 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:
| 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
