1997 Honda Prelude vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,155 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (220 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 63 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
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, 1997 Honda Prelude (221 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
