1977 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 725 kg more than 1977 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 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 | 675 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
