2012 Nissan NV vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1603 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan NV 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 NV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 NV (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Nissan NV has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan NV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan NV | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | NV | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5600 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 521 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6111 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2029 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2156 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3711 mm | 2512 mm |
