2009 Honda Civic vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf 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 (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 323 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
