1996 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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 4,003 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 663 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 2001 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 4003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
