1996 Honda Accord vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 17 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 11 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. 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 GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | GTI |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1469 mm |
