2004 Nissan Xterra vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra is newer by 1 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 429 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Xterra | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Xterra | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
