2007 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Honda Civic is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Civic weights approximately 530 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic 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, 2007 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Civic | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
