1979 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP) has 130 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 650 kg more than 1979 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
