1988 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 310 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (125 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
