1988 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 165 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 Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
