1983 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 462 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (129 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1983 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1983 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Golf | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |
