2007 Land Rover Defender vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 2,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 785 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2007 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Land Rover Defender | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2286 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.1 L/100km | 4.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
