2005 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Forester (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Forester weights approximately 116 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 Subaru Forester 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 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
