1981 Honda Accord vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Accord (79 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Honda Accord weights approximately 60 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1981 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
