1998 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (103 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 22 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | Insight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
