2008 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2008 Honda Civic (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 189 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
