2009 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Durango. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Durango would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Durango. (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Durango. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Durango weights approximately 559 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2009 Dodge Durango is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Dodge Durango. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Durango. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Durango. 2009 Dodge Durango has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Durango | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Durango | GTI |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 55 L |
