1974 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1974 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 846 kg more than 1974 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | Civic | Golf |
Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
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 | 266 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1521 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4213 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1501 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2578 mm |