2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Nissan Armada
To start off, 2012 Nissan Armada is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Armada weights approximately 1092 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Armada 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 2012 Nissan Armada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Nissan Armada (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Nissan Armada 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. 2012 Nissan Armada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Nissan Armada | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Armada |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 2382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5276 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2014 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3129 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 106 L |
