1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 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 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 59 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, 1996 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
