2005 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 254 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.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 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 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (139 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2005 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2005 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 139 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1096 kg | 1350 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
