1996 Honda Step Wagon vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Honda Step Wagon is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,972 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Step Wagon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 700 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Step Wagon | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Step Wagon | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1972 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
