1990 Honda Civic vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Civic weights approximately 100 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
