2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2011 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo XC70 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 766 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 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | XC70 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1941 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4839 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1603 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2814 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
