2003 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 366 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | Civic | Golf |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 135 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1456 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4246 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1782 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1423 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |