1986 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,899 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 330 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
