2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,382 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 7 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Solstice | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2382 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
