2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 396 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 677 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 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ. 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 Jaguar XJ (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Jaguar |
| Model | Golf | XJ |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 82 L |
