1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2002 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2002 Nissan X-Trail is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan X-Trail is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan X-Trail (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan X-Trail should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan X-Trail weights approximately 355 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Nissan X-Trail is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan X-Trail will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Nissan X-Trail (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan X-Trail will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2002 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
