2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (145 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 256 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 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Forester |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
