2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2011 Opel Insignia 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 1,956 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Insignia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Insignia (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Insignia should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Opel Insignia (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Insignia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Opel |
| Model | Golf | Insignia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2737 mm |
