2000 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Honda Civic is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 25 kg more than 2000 Honda Civic.
Because 2000 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Honda Civic 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Honda Civic. 2000 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Honda Civic | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
