2004 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Accord (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Accord weights approximately 232 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Accord. (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Accord. 2012 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2004 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2004 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Accord | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
