2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1999 Acura RL
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura RL weights approximately 500 kg more than 2008 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, 1999 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1999 Acura RL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Acura |
| Model | Golf | RL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
