1996 Honda Civic vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 8 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (166 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
