2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 357 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan 370Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
