2005 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,668 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Honda Civic (218 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
