2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Nissan GT-R
To start off, 2012 Nissan GT-R 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan GT-R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan GT-R (530 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan GT-R should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan GT-R weights approximately 382 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 GT-R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan GT-R 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, 2012 Nissan GT-R (607 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan GT-R 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 GT-R | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | GT-R |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 530 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 607 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1737 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2779 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 74 L |
