2006 Ford Fusion vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,278 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Fusion (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 527 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Ford Fusion is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Ford Fusion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Ford Fusion (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusion | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2278 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
