2004 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
