1979 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 556 kg more than 1979 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
