1996 Honda Civic vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 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), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 129 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
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, 1996 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 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. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
