1996 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1030 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.
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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
