1978 Honda Civic vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 272 kg more than 1978 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3100 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 | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2480 mm |
