1978 Honda Accord vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 618 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.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
