1978 Honda Prelude 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 Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 394 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. 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 (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
