2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 290 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 350Z | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
