1998 Nissan Sentra vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 510 kg more than 1998 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Nissan Sentra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan Sentra | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
