2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 945 kg more 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
