2008 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 33 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Honda Civic (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
