2005 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 7 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 277 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | GTI |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
