2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Renault Espace
To start off, 2011 Renault Espace 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Renault Espace (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Renault Espace weights approximately 531 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 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Renault |
| Model | Golf | Espace |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 15.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
