2008 Kia Carens vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Kia Carens is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Carens is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Carens (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carens should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carens weights approximately 526 kg more than 2002 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 Kia Carens (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Carens | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carens | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1631 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2512 mm |
