1998 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (420 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1279 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 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (551 Nm) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (175 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2449 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3010 mm |
