1972 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 41 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 698 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | GTI |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2578 mm |
