2011 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2011 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontier | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
