2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1519 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 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Land Rover |
| Model | Golf | Defender |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1189 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 24.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
