2012 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 708 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2256 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4796 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1941 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1732 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2893 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 62 L |
