Peugeot 308 T7 vs Volkswagen Golf MK8

Peugeot 308

T7 · 2007 – 2013

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

Volkswagen Golf

MK8 · 2020 – 2026

The eighth-generation Golf (MK8), on the MQB Evo 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 eTSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.6 VTi 120 · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 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	8,5 s Winner
Top speed	190 km/h	224 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	88,9 hp/t	114,9 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	149 g/km	126 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,4 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Boot	348 L	381 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.237 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,61 m	2,64 m Winner
Length	4,28 m	4,28 m
Ground clearance	—	14,0 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 Evo (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/EA211 Evo 1.0/1.5 · EA888 2.0 (GTI/R) · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid/GTE PHEV
Transmission	5-speed manual	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 5	Euro 6d
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

MIB3/MIB4 software campaigns (early)
DQ200 DSG service (1.0/1.5)
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

Modern MIB4 electronics post-facelift (2024)
Wide, efficient engine range
Strong driver-assistance systems

Cons

Peugeot 308

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

Volkswagen Golf

MIB3 software on early cars (pre-facelift)
Capacitive controls pre-facelift

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

Well-rounded, comfortable and effortlessly easy to live with. Steering is light, accurate and quick, the ride supple and settled, and the Golf soaks up everything from city streets to motorway miles. Front-drive is safe and predictable, while 4MOTION on the R adds immense all-weather traction. The 1.5 eTSI is smooth and frugal with its 48-volt boost, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the GTE plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed DSG is quick and slick; the manual light and precise. Overall a do-everything hatch that is comfortable, capable and hard to fault.