1988 Honda NSX vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (240 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 254 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Honda NSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
