2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 3 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 578 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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (351 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2011 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Golf | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 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 Weight | 1257 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
