2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Honda Odyssey 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Odyssey (248 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 816 kg more than 2008 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 Honda Odyssey (339 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Odyssey | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Odyssey | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2001 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5154 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2012 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1737 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
