2003 Honda Civic vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 84 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Civic | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
