1998 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Accord (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 154 kg more than 1998 Honda Accord.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (186 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord. 1998 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
