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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 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. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 107 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
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 (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
