2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1005 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Express 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 2012 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Golf | Express |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 117 L |
