1978 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 640 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Civic | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
