2006 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 230 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2460 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 62 L |
