2008 Pontiac G8 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Pontiac G8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac G8 (362 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Pontiac G8 weights approximately 247 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Pontiac G8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Pontiac G8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac G8 (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Pontiac G8 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | G8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1352 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2512 mm |
