2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 2 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 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 360 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 2010 Lexus IS 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 2010 Lexus IS. 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, 2010 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2010 Lexus IS 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. 2010 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lexus |
| Model | Golf | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
