2008 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 1067 kg more than 2008 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (119 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
