2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2012 Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Camry (178 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Camry weights approximately 52 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 190 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Camry. (230 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Camry. 2012 Toyota Camry has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Camry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Camry |
| 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 | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 190 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1447 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4806 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
