2002 Honda Life vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2002 Honda Life. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 541 kg more than 2002 Honda Life. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Life. (93 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Life. 2002 Honda Life has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | GTI |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
