2009 Honda Civic vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 189 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1167 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
