2011 Toyota Sienna 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 Toyota Sienna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Toyota Sienna would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Sienna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 698 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 2011 Toyota Sienna is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Sienna 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 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Toyota Sienna has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Toyota Sienna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Toyota Sienna | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sienna | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2148 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5085 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1984 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1811 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
