2012 Nissan Frontier vs. 1992 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 503 kg more than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 2012 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Frontier | 1992 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontier | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1693 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2480 mm |
