2005 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (117 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 194 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (151 Nm). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1685 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1151 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
