1995 Nissan Serena vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Nissan Serena (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Nissan Serena should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 31 kg more than 1995 Nissan Serena.
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, 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 (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Golf |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2578 mm |
