1997 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTD is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen GTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen GTD weights approximately 239 kg more than 1997 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2011 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | GTD |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
