2011 GMC Canyon vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 GMC Canyon is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 GMC Canyon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 GMC Canyon (186 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 GMC Canyon weights approximately 376 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 GMC Canyon. (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 GMC Canyon. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2011 GMC Canyon has manual transmission. 2011 GMC Canyon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 GMC Canyon | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Canyon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
