2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 46 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.
Because 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Subaru Forester. (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Subaru Forester. 2011 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Forester |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
