2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 284 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.
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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
