2008 Nissan Versa 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 Versa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Versa 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 144 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Versa. (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Versa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 391 kg more than 2008 Nissan Versa. 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 2008 Nissan Versa. 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 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Versa. (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Versa | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Versa | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
