2012 Honda Insight vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 4 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 19 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Honda Insight. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Insight | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Insight | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4376 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1694 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1427 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
