2011 Nissan Armada vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Armada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Armada would be higher. At 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Armada weights approximately 1119 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Armada 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 2011 Nissan Armada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 Nissan Armada (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2011 Nissan Armada has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Armada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Armada | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Armada | GTI |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 521 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2512 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5276 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2014 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1961 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3129 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 55 L |
