1981 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (308 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1704 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 308 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 2489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
