2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 544 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 636 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 654 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 332 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1189 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 55 L |
