1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 184 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.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | Civic | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1284 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |