2001 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2001 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 121 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (119 Nm @ 5900 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | GTI |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
