2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1031 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
