2008 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 189 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
