2011 Renault Clio vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,460 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2011 Renault Clio. (81 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 241 kg more than 2011 Renault Clio. 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, 2011 Renault Clio (200 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Renault Clio | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Clio | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1460 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.7 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
