1988 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 19 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 287 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.
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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic. 2007 Volkswagen Polo 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. 2007 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
