1988 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 105 kg more 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
