1978 Honda Accord vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 211 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2002 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 | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2512 mm |
