2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Volvo V50
To start off, 2010 Volvo V50 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 2,400 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo V50 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo V50 weights approximately 284 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, 2010 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2010 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | V50 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4521 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
