2008 GMC Canyon vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 GMC Canyon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 GMC Canyon would be higher. At 3,700 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 GMC Canyon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 GMC Canyon (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 GMC Canyon weights approximately 1122 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 GMC Canyon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 GMC Canyon 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, 2008 GMC Canyon (328 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 GMC Canyon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 GMC Canyon has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 GMC Canyon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 GMC Canyon | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Canyon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2436 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
