2006 Nissan Maxima vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Maxima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2006 Nissan Maxima (347 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Maxima | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
