1993 Nissan Serena vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1993 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1993 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Nissan Serena weights approximately 138 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1993 Nissan Serena 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 1993 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Nissan Serena | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Golf |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
