2008 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Honda Accord is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Accord (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Accord weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 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, 2008 Honda Accord (220 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Accord | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2480 mm |
