2009 Nissan Altima vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (156 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 252 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (162 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima. 2009 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Nissan Altima | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Altima | Golf |
Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 156 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 225 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1077 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2480 mm |