1990 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 266 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
