2005 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 206 kg more than 2005 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
