2004 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 471 kg more than 2004 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
