2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 158 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 Legacy 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 Legacy 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 190 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Legacy. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Golf | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 190 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1553 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
