2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 183 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caliber | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
