1994 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 692 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1994 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1994 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2700 mm |
