2006 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 140 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 325 kg more than 2006 Honda Civic.
Because 2006 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
