2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2009 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 2009 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Park Avenue (251 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 726 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.
Because 2009 Buick Park Avenue 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 2009 Buick Park Avenue. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2009 Buick Park Avenue (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Buick Park Avenue 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. 2009 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2009 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Golf | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5175 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1899 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3009 mm |
