2008 Nissan Terrano vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Terrano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Terrano would be higher. At 2,956 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Terrano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Terrano (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Terrano should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Terrano weights approximately 414 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Terrano is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Terrano 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, 2008 Nissan Terrano (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Terrano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Terrano | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Terrano | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2956 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.3 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
