1981 Honda Civic vs. 2010 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 29 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 439 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, 2010 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2010 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | T5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
