1996 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 15 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
