2011 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 103 kg more than 2011 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | GTI |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
