1987 Honda Prelude vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1987 Honda Prelude. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 306 kg more than 1987 Honda Prelude. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Prelude. 2013 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1987 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1987 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Prelude | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
