1988 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
