2005 Nissan 350Z vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 18 kg more than 2005 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 2005 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (354 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan 350Z | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 350Z | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
