1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Civic weights approximately 67 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2013 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1227 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4556 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
