2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 478 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 417 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
