2008 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 53 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
