2006 Honda Odyssey vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Honda Odyssey is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,473 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 764 kg more than 1997 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, 2006 Honda Odyssey (325 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Odyssey | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Odyssey | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3473 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
