2002 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (98 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 184 kg more than 2002 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 Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
