2002 Honda Life vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Honda Life is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Life (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Life weights approximately 104 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Honda Life (93 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Life will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. 2002 Honda Life has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Life | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
