2009 Porsche Cayman vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Porsche Cayman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Porsche Cayman would be higher. At 2,687 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (242 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 184 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Porsche Cayman (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Porsche Cayman | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cayman | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2687 cc | 2500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 273 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
