2012 Volkswagen T5 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 937 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.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen T5 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | T5 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2459 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2310 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
