2012 Buick Enclave vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Buick Enclave. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Buick Enclave would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick Enclave is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Enclave weights approximately 774 kg more than 2013 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 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Buick Enclave has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick Enclave will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick Enclave | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Enclave | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2168 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5126 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2007 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1842 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3020 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
