2005 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1394 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Land Rover |
| Model | Golf | Defender |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 16 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
