2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Honda Ridgeline
To start off, 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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 3,470 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 155 kg more than 2011 Honda Ridgeline.
Because 2011 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2011 Honda Ridgeline (335 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Honda Ridgeline | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | Ridgeline |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
