2009 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2010 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 47 kg more than 2009 Nissan Pathfinder.
Because 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (288 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | 2010 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | GTI |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3953 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4211 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
