1981 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 339 kg more than 1981 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 (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
