1978 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 291 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
