1991 Nissan Vanette vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Nissan Vanette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Nissan Vanette would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1991 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 116 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1991 Nissan Vanette 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 1991 Nissan Vanette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan Vanette. (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Nissan Vanette | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vanette | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2080 mm | 2578 mm |
