1996 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Civic | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | Civic | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 127 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |