2009 Kia Carnival vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Kia Carnival 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 2,902 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Carnival (142 HP @ 8800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Carnival weights approximately 936 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.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Carnival. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Carnival | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carnival | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2902 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2220 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
