2005 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 Volvo V50. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 87 kg more than 2005 Volvo V50. 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volvo V50 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | V50 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 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 | 1434 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
