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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 288 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
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 (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 10 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 | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1290 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 |
