2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 72 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima. 2003 Nissan Altima 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. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Golf | Altima |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 100 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |