1998 Nissan Sentra vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Sentra (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 255 kg more than 1998 Nissan Sentra.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (141 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
