1972 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 783 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. 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 Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2712 mm |
