2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Sienna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 877 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 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Toyota Sienna 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 Sienna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Sienna |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 2062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1984 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
