2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 63 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 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1417 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
