1996 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 250 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1996 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
