2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 83 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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 GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Solstice | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Solstice | GTI |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2383 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
