1996 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 288 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 Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
