2003 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 181 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1271 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
