2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2002 Dodge Neon
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Neon would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Neon (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2002 Dodge Neon (152 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2002 Dodge Neon 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. 2002 Dodge Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2002 Dodge Neon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Dodge |
| Model | Golf | Neon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
