1984 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 730 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
