1988 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Audi S3
To start off, 2004 Audi S3 is newer by 16 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 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi S3 (222 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi S3 weights approximately 423 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi S3 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 Audi S3 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2004 Audi S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2004 Audi S3 | |
| Make | Honda | Audi |
| Model | Civic | S3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
