2002 Honda Accord vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Accord (161 HP) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Accord weights approximately 730 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda Accord is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Honda Accord (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 2002 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
