2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Kia Carens
To start off, 2011 Kia Carens 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Carens is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Carens (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Carens should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Carens weights approximately 466 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 Kia Carens (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Golf | Carens |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
