1988 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 17 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 2,965 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1310 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 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2890 mm |
