2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 136 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mitsubishi Lancer (198 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Golf | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1189 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
