1989 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1989 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1989 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
