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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 210 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 2009 Dodge Caliber is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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 Dodge Caliber (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1798 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
