2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2005 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 236 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (156 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2005 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
