2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2013 Hyundai Elantra 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 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Hyundai Elantra (146 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 130 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, 2013 Hyundai Elantra (178 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 Hyundai Elantra 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 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
| Model | Golf | Elantra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
