1986 Honda Accord vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,954 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1986 Honda Accord. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 256 kg more than 1986 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (195 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Accord. (156 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Accord | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1954 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2470 mm |
