2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 106 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 597 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 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 (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 350Z | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
