2011 Subaru Legacy vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 301 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.
Because 2011 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Legacy (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2011 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2011 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1486 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4735 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1821 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1506 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2751 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
