2009 Honda Odyssey 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 Honda Odyssey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Odyssey would be higher. At 3,469 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 217 kg more than 2009 Honda Odyssey.
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 Honda Odyssey (332 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Honda Odyssey 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 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Odyssey | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3469 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
