1990 Honda Prelude vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 168 kg more than 1990 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1990 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
