2009 Honda Civic vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 290 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Volkswagen 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
