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