1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 50 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
