2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 714 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 Xterra 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 Xterra. 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 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 | 1165 kg | 1879 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
