2012 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 287 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (455 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avalanche | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 62 L |
