1998 Nissan Terrano II vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Nissan Terrano II is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Terrano II (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Terrano II should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 590 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Terrano II 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, 1998 Nissan Terrano II (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Terrano II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan Terrano II | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Terrano II | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2480 mm |
