1978 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 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 1,169 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Civic (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 92 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic.
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, 1988 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
