2003 Nissan Altima vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
