1988 Nissan Micra vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Micra. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 1642 kg more than 1988 Nissan Micra. 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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Micra. (73 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan Micra | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Micra | GTI |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 665 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
