2007 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 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 62 more horse power than 2007 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 113 kg more than 2007 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Civic | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | GTI |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
