2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 150 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
