1998 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
