2012 Volvo C30 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volvo C30 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo C30 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2005 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 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 2005 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2012 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2012 Volvo C30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volvo C30 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | C30 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4252 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1783 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1448 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
