2006 Ford Fusion vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Fusion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Fusion would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fusion. (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 369 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fusion. (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusion | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2278 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
