1981 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 588 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.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
