1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 435 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | Civic | Jetta |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4644 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1482 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2651 mm |