Bachrodt Volkswagen

Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 70 advantages that the Volkswagen Golf has over the Toyota Yaris.

MSRP Range
Volkswagen Golf	$17,995 - $28,340
Toyota Yaris	$14,115 - $17,200

Performance

Engine

The Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) has a larger standard engine, a 2.0L I4, than the standard engine in the Yaris, which has a 1.5L I4.

The standard engine in the Golf 2.0L I4 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Yaris 1.5L I4, 140 HP vs. 106 HP.

The Golf's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Yaris's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:

Spec
		RPM's to Peak Torque	RPM's to Peak HP
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	1750	4000
	Yaris	4200	6000

With 236 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in Golf 2.0L I4 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Yaris 1.5L I4, which has 103 lb-ft of torque.

Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Golf, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Yaris, as detailed below by trim level and engine:

Spec
		Power To Weight Ratio
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	21.7
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	21.7
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	21.7
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	21.7
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	21.7
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	21.7
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr. 2.5L I5	17.5
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr. 2.5L I5	18.2
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr. 2.5L I5	17.5
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr. 2.5L I5	18.2
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr. 2.5L I5	17.5
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr. 2.5L I5	18.2
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	22.2
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT 1.5L I4	21.8
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	22.2
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	22.2
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	22.2
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	22.2
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT 1.5L I4	21.8

To allow the driver to monitor the engine RPM's, the Golf has a Standard tachometer. A tachometer is Not Available on the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 5-Dr. AT, LE 3-Dr. AT, LE 5-Dr. AT).

Reliability

The standard engine in the Golf 2.0L I4 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Yaris 1.5L I4, 1968 cc vs. 1497 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.

Transmission

An adaptive automatic transmission is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, It is able to select optimal shift points and determine the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. You are more likely to find this type of transmission in the Golf than the Yaris, as shown below:

Spec
		Adaptive Automatic Transmission
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	Standard
	Yaris	Not Available

Manually interactive automatic transmissions give the driver complete gear control, like manually-shifted transmissions, but without the inconvenient clutch. This type of transmission is more commonly found in the Golf than the Yaris, as shown below:

Spec
		Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	Standard
	Yaris	Not Available

Warranty

Corrosion Warranty

Volkswagen's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Toyota's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

Spec
		Corrosion Warranty Months
	Golf	144
	Yaris	60

Economy

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Golf has a larger fuel tank than the Yaris, 14.5 gal. vs. 11.1 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

The Golf is more fuel efficient than the Yaris. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Golf both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Yaris.

Spec
		Fuel Economy Hwy
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4	42 mpg.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT 1.5L I4	38 mpg.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	35 mpg.
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	35 mpg.
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	35 mpg.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT 1.5L I4	38 mpg.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	35 mpg.
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	35 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

The Golf gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Yaris, as detailed below by trim and engine:

Spec
		Driving Distance
	Golf	493 mi.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	344.1 mi.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT 1.5L I4	355.2 mi.
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	344.1 mi.
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	344.1 mi.
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	344.1 mi.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT 1.5L I4	344.1 mi.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT 1.5L I4	355.2 mi.

Safety and Security

Airbags

Both the Golf and the Yaris feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Golf is heavier than the Yaris, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

Spec
		Curb Weight MT	Curb Weight AT
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	2967 lbs.	3,023 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	2994 lbs.	3,040 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	3027 lbs.	3,102 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	3073 lbs.	3,120 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	2967 lbs.	3,023 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	3027 lbs.	3,102 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	2967 lbs.	3,023 lbs.
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	3027 lbs.	3,102 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	2994 lbs.	3,040 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	3073 lbs.	3,120 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	2994 lbs.	3,040 lbs.
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	3073 lbs.	3,120 lbs.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT	2295 lbs.	-
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT	-	2,315 lbs.
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT	-	2,315 lbs.
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT	-	2,315 lbs.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT	2295 lbs.	-
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT	-	2,315 lbs.
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT	-	2,315 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Golf is longer than the Yaris, as shown below:

Spec
		Length
	Golf	165.4 in.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT	153.5 in.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT	153.5 in.
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT	153.5 in.
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT	153.5 in.
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT	153.5 in.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT	154.7 in.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT	154.7 in.

The Golf is equipped with Standard FWD.

Most modern fuel injection systems utilize a high-pressure fuel pump that can empty a vehicle fuel tank if the fuel line is severed as a result of an accident. The Golf features a Standard emergency fuel shutoff device that measures specific G-force impact, disabling power to the fuel pump if there is an accident, significantly reducing the chance of a hazardous fuel spill. This emergency system is Not Available in the Yaris.

Keyless entry increases your personal safety by enabling you to enter and exit your vehicle without fumbling with your keys. And, in addition, by letting you lock and unlock your vehicle without using your keys, it increases the chances that you will lock it. Of course, it also comes in handy when your hands are full. The Golf comes with Standard keyless entry while that feature is Not Available on the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 3-Dr. MT, L 5-Dr. AT).

The Golf is protected by a Standard anti-theft system to help protect your investment against theft and break in. Anti-theft is Not Available on the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 3-Dr. MT, L 5-Dr. AT).

An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the Golf. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the Yaris.

The Standard valet lockout feature gives Golf owners added peace of mind, allowing them to give a parking attendent a special 'valet key' that will operate the ignition and door but will not unlock interior storage compartments. Valet locket protection is Not Available in the Yaris.

Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Standard equipment on the Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) but are Not Available on the Yaris.

The Golf power door locks have a Standard selective locking/unlocking feature which gives driver the choice to unlock one or all doors for added convenience and safety (with an extra press of remote's door unlock button or an extra turn of the door key). This feature is Not Available in the Yaris.

The Golf has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Not Available on the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 3-Dr. MT, L 5-Dr. AT, LE 3-Dr. AT, LE 5-Dr. AT).

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Golf (2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) but Not Available Yaris. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle daytime crashes account for about half of all police-reported crashes in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that daytime running lights - low intensity lights that make vehicles more visible during daylight hours - reduce daytime accidents as much as 11%. Daytime running lights are a Standard feature on the Golf but Not Available on the Yaris.

Capacities

Interior Space

The Golf has more passenger volume than the Yaris.

Spec
		Passenger Volume
	Golf	92.9 cu. ft.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT	84.4 cu. ft.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT	84.4 cu. ft.
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT	85.1 cu. ft.
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT	84.4 cu. ft.
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT	85.1 cu. ft.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT	85.1 cu. ft.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT	85.1 cu. ft.

The Golf has more interior space than the Yaris in the following areas:

Spec

Leg Room, Front

Shoulder Room, Front

Head Room, Rear

Leg Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, Rear

Golf

41.2 in.

54.7 in.

38.5 in.

35.5 in.

52.8 in.

Yaris

40.6 in.

52.5 in.

37.6 in.

33.3 in.

51.8 in.

Cargo Space

The Golf has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Yaris.

The Golf features a Standard second row folding seat for increased cargo space. A second row folding seat is Not Available in the Yaris (LE 3-Dr. AT, LE 5-Dr. AT, SE 5-Dr. AT, SE 5-Dr. MT).

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Yaris.

The Golf offers a Standard cargo net that helps secure packages or groceries, while in the Yaris a cargo net is Not Available.

Payload and Towing

The Golf has a higher towing capacity than the Yaris, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.

Spec
		Tow Capacity, Max	Tow Capacity, Std
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Golf	-	-
	Yaris	Not Recommended	Not Recommended

Suspension and Handling

General Suspension

The Golf has a independent rear suspension, which is superior to the semi-independent suspension used on the Yaris.

Chassis

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Golf is greater than that of the Yaris. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

Spec
		Track, Front	Track, Rear
	Golf	60.7 in.	59.6 in.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT	58.5 in.	57.9 in.
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT	58.5 in.	57.9 in.
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT	58.5 in.	57.9 in.
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT	58.5 in.	57.9 in.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT	57.5 in.	56.9 in.
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT	57.5 in.	56.9 in.
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT	58.5 in.	57.9 in.

The Golf's wheelbase is longer than the Yaris's, 101.5 in. vs. 98.8 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Golf may provide better handling capability than those on the Yaris. Details below:

Spec
		Tire Aspect Ratio
	Golf	45
	Yaris L 3-Dr. AT	65
	Yaris L 3-Dr. MT	65
	Yaris L 5-Dr. AT	65
	Yaris LE 3-Dr. AT	65
	Yaris LE 5-Dr. AT	65
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. AT	50
	Yaris SE 5-Dr. MT	50

In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. You are more likely to find alloy wheels on the Golf than the Yaris, as shown below:

Spec
		Alloy Wheels
	Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.	Standard
	Golf 2.5L 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr.	Optional
	Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.	Optional
	Yaris	Not Available

The Golf comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the Yaris.

Braking

The Golf has standard front and rear disc brakes but the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 3-Dr. MT, L 5-Dr. AT, LE 3-Dr. AT, LE 5-Dr. AT) only has standard rear Drum brakes. Drums tend to heat up with repeated use and can cause stopping distances to increase.

Advantages

Additional Features

A heated front seat is Standard in the Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.), providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Yaris.

The Golf (2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Yaris.

For added convenience, power windows come Standard in the Golf. With the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 3-Dr. MT, L 5-Dr. AT), power windows are Not Available.

Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the Golf but Not Available in the Yaris.

The Golf has a Standard lockout/override feature for its power windows. This allows the driver to disable to power window controls, preventing small children from accidentally rolling down the rear windows. This window lockout/override feature is Not Available on the Yaris.

On long road trips in the Golf, drivers can engage the Standard cruise control, reducing fatigue. Cruise control is Optional in the Yaris (L 3-Dr. AT, L 3-Dr. MT, L 5-Dr. AT, LE 3-Dr. AT, LE 5-Dr. AT).

The Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.5L 2 Dr., 2.5L 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.) has a Standard compass that helps drivers determine their geographic direction. A compass is Not Available in the Yaris.

The Golf has a Standard engine compartment light, providing illumination to the engine compartment, especially helpful in the event of a nighttime breakdown. An engine compartment light is Not Available in the Yaris.

With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Golf (2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Yaris as a power sunroof is Not Available.

The Golf features Standard automatic headlights that control their on/off capability. Automatic headlights are Not Available on the Yaris.

Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the Golf, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Yaris.