1988 Honda Prelude vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 289 kg more than 1988 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 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 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Prelude | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1956 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
