2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 560 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caliber | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
