1986 Honda Prelude vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,829 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Prelude (107 HP) has 54 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Prelude weights approximately 145 kg more than 1988 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, 1986 Honda Prelude (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Prelude | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
