2005 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 340 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2005 Honda Civic (192 Nm @ 5900 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
