1988 Honda Civic vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (150 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
