2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Impala 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. (211 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 263 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. (293 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Golf | Impala |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
