2001 Nissan Maxima vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 84 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Maxima. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2001 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 2001 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Nissan Maxima | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
