1996 Honda Prelude vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Prelude (190 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 122 kg more than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Prelude. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (214 Nm). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude. 1999 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
