1996 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 281 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| 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 | 1002 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
