2005 Subaru Forester vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Subaru Forester is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 148 kg more than 2005 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Forester | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
