2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2005 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan X-Trail. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan X-Trail would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2005 Nissan X-Trail. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan X-Trail. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 6 kg more than 2005 Nissan X-Trail. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan X-Trail. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan X-Trail. 2005 Nissan X-Trail has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Nissan X-Trail will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2005 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1521 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4213 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1501 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
