2002 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 14 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 59 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (98 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Civic weights approximately 71 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
