Peugeot 308 T7 vs Volkswagen Golf MK7

Peugeot 308

T7 · 2007 – 2013

The first-generation 308 (T7), on the PF2 platform.

Volkswagen Golf

MK7 · 2012 – 2020

The seventh-generation Golf (MK7), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the T7 for an affordable, comfortable early 308 with a roomy SW — ideally a well-kept 2.0 HDi.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol), preferably post-2011 facelift.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Golf

Pick the Golf for a balanced mix of refinement, practicality and driving enjoyment.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.6 VTi 120 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Power	120 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	160 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	10,4 s	8,2 s Winner
Top speed	190 km/h	216 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	88,9 hp/t	116,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	149 g/km	116 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,4 L/100km	5,1 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Boot	348 L	380 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,61 m	2,64 m Winner
Length	4,28 m	4,26 m
Ground clearance	—	13,9 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.600 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Platform	PF2	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.6/2.0 HDi diesel	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Peugeot 308

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
Early electrical gremlins and suspension wear

Volkswagen Golf

DQ200 DSG service (automatic)
Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
AdBlue/DPF on 2.0 TDI (short trips)

Pros

Peugeot 308

Comfortable with a long wheelbase
Roomy SW estate version
Plentiful and affordable used

Volkswagen Golf

Light MQB platform with sharp handling
Thrifty, smooth TSI/TDI engines
Solid build quality

Cons

Peugeot 308

AL4 automatic can shift jerkily
1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk

Volkswagen Golf

EA111 chain (early 1.4 TSI, pre-2014)
Plastic water pump needs checking

Driving experience

Peugeot 308

The T7 is the 308 that swapped the 307's softness for a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF2 platform, it stays reasonably light, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 VTi is adequate, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the manual shifts cleanly — though the old 4-speed AL4 automatic can feel jerky. It is a comfortable, easy hatchback, not a sporty one.

Volkswagen Golf

Balanced, comfortable and easy to place. The Golf rides with a maturity unusual for a hatchback, stays quiet at speed, and steers accurately with well-judged weighting. Front-drive versions are safe and predictable; 4MOTION on the R adds serious cross-country pace and traction. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible everyday pick — smooth and economical — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the GTI and R versions add real performance. The DSG is quick; the manual is crisp. Body control is composed, and while the Golf is not overtly sporty, it does everything well without fuss.