1995 Nissan Serena vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Serena. (74 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 263 kg more than 2009 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, 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 (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Serena. (145 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Serena. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1995 Nissan Serena has manual transmission. 1995 Nissan Serena will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan Serena | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Golf |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2283 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
