1984 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP) has 48 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 176 kg more than 1984 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (195 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
