1999 Honda Prelude vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Honda Prelude is newer by 1 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Prelude (132 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 50 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1999 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Prelude | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
