1987 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Z weights approximately 663 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Nissan Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Nissan Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Z |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11:01:00 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
