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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 190 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 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 | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1482 mm |
