2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (161 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 788 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
