1996 Honda Accord vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,156 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Accord (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1996 Honda Accord (200 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
