1978 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 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 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 245 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
