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VW Golf vs Nissan Leaf comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 217 HP), boot space and price (28,300 £ vs 30,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Golf or Nissan Leaf?

VW Golf vs Nissan Leaf: Key differences

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • visibly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • substantially lighter
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Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more electric range
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Golf

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 marginally cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Nissan Leaf costs 30,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,533 £.

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

Leaf

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers visibly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 217 HP. That’s roughly 108 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Nissan Leaf takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2.3 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.

Golf

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

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

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries moderately 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 sits just ahead overall 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 £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
VS
The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
Skoda Scala
VW Golf
VS
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VW Golf
Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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.

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Reviews Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
Mir
12 Mar 2026, 21:05:00

The author of this comparison probably doesn't read what they're writing. Almost 100 Nm is a small difference? XD And by the way, the Leaf is listed at 6.9 s to the first 100 km/h while the rival is over 8 s — that's not a small difference… it's a shame to read this comparison with so many mistakes; better to take a drive and judge for yourself.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

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VW Golf
VS
Two icons of the small-car world go head-to-head: the Skoda Fabia, the bargain-minded all-rounder, takes on the VW Golf, the class benchmark for driving refinement and pedigree. We’ll compare space, tech, engines and running costs to tell buyers which one delivers the best balance of value, comfort …
VW Golf
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
Skoda Kamiq
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Tiny premium flair meets mainstream mastery: the Audi A1 brings city-class style, crisp interiors and nimble handling, while the VW Golf remains the benchmark hatchback — spacious, sensible and hard to beat. We pit the posh A1 against the practical Golf to find out which one earns your money, your …
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Toyota Yaris
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In the battle of efficiency and versatility, the Toyota Yaris stands out with its compact design, making it ideal for urban driving and impressive fuel economy. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Golf offers a more robust engine lineup and refined driving dynamics, catering to those who prioritize …
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VW Golf
Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Price
30,800 - 41,100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Electric Range
436 - 624 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 173 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Curb weight
1,864 - 1,956 kg
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,789 mm
Width
1,810 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
438 - 508 kg
Payload
441 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Power HP
176 - 217 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Torque
345 - 355 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
Nissan
Is the VW Golf offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

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.