1987 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,323 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 339 kg more than 1987 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 (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Civic | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1239 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
