2003 Honda Civic vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 184 kg more than 2003 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic. 2001 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Civic | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
