1989 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP) has 48 more horse power than 1989 Honda Civic. (90 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Civic.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Civic. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
