2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 GMC Acadia
To start off, 2013 GMC Acadia is newer by 5 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 GMC Acadia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 GMC Acadia (284 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 GMC Acadia should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 GMC Acadia weights approximately 988 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 2013 GMC Acadia 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, 2013 GMC Acadia 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, 2013 GMC Acadia (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2013 GMC Acadia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 GMC Acadia 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. 2013 GMC Acadia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 GMC Acadia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | GMC |
| Model | Golf | Acadia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 284 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 2203 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5101 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2003 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1846 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
