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 2,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
