2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 4 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (300 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 362 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (433 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Golf | Colorado |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 433 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
