1990 Honda Prelude vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1990 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 220 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Prelude | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
