1990 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 477 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan 370Z 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 2011 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Golf | 370Z |
Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 161 HP | 332 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 225 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1554 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4247 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1849 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1326 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2550 mm |