1986 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 449 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1349 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2680 mm |
