2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Pontiac Solstice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Pontiac Solstice would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 72 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 2013 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2009 Pontiac Solstice will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Solstice | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
