1998 Honda Civic vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 390 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 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
