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Nissan Leaf vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (217 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (30,800 £ vs 25,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Leaf or VW Golf?

Nissan Leaf vs VW Golf: Key differences

Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more electric range

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • significantly lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Leaf

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf is clearly cheaper – starting at 25,200 £ , while the Nissan Leaf costs 30,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,619 £.

As for electric range, the Nissan Leaf offers significantly more range – reaching up to 624 km, about 481 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers noticeably more power – delivering 333 HP compared to 217 HP. That’s roughly 116 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Nissan Leaf takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers moderately more torque with 420 Nm compared to 355 Nm. That’s about 65 Nm more.

Leaf

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is significantly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,864 kg. The difference is around 557 kg.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries a bit more – 508 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 64 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf stands out in the key areas in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,200
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
Nissan Leaf
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a practical, easygoing electric hatch that turns daily commutes into a quiet, effortless affair while offering more cabin space than it lets on. It’s a sensible, wallet-friendly step into electrification for buyers who value comfort and simplicity over sporty drama, though those chasing long-distance thrills might look elsewhere.

details

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
Nissan Leaf
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption

Price
30,800 - 41,100 £
Price
25,200 - 47,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
436 - 624 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,864 - 1,956 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
4,282 - 4,296 mm
Width
1,810 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
1,454 - 1,483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,129 - 1,237 L
Payload
441 - 444 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
176 - 217 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
203 - 270 km/h
Torque
345 - 355 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Nissan
Brand
VW
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.