1996 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 1750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 146 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
