2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima 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 150 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 213 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
