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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 184 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
