2005 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Forester (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Forester weights approximately 35 kg more than 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (246 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
