2005 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 168 kg more than 2005 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
