1990 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (178 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 557 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 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 (371 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1990 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:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 178 HP |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
