1995 Nissan Serena vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 2,283 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Serena. (74 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan Serena weights approximately 350 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1995 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 1995 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Serena. (145 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan Serena | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Golf |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2283 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
