2005 Pontiac Vibe 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 Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Vibe (123 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 177 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.
Because 2005 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, 2005 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, 2005 Pontiac Vibe (160 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm). This means 2005 Pontiac Vibe 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 Vibe has manual transmission. 2005 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:
| 2005 Pontiac Vibe | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vibe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1352 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
