2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 434 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 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
