1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 15 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 619 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 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Golf | Frontier |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3954 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 261 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 381 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1919 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3200 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |