2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Kia Forte
To start off, 2013 Kia Forte is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Forte (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Forte weights approximately 119 kg more than 2012 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, 2013 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Golf | Forte |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1229 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.6 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 52 L |
