2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo V50 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 351 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Volvo V50 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2008 Volvo V50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | V50 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
