2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (228 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 189 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
