2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 14 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 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman. 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 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Porsche |
| Model | Golf | Cayman |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1336 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
