2005 Nissan Micra vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Micra. (88 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 474 kg more than 2005 Nissan Micra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Nissan Micra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Micra. (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Micra | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Micra | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1386 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1047 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
