2009 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 1 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), 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (250 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 199 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 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Traverse | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Traverse | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
