2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Express would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Express. (193 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 864 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Chevrolet Express. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Express. (260 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Express. 2009 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
